Beauty of B.B. Creams

B.B. creams have been around for awhile, but they've become really popular recently and pretty much every major cosmetics brand has come out with one.  I love B.B. creams because you can wear them alone when you don't feel like using multiple products.  You can also use them with foundation and primer for completely flawless skin.  B.B. creams are great at giving you the appearance of awesome skin since they cover up pores, even out skin-tone and help hide any blemishes, but still look natural.  They are now a must-have for my makeup routine.

Below is my take on a few different B.B. creams I've tried:

Boscia:

My absolute favorite so far!  It comes in just one shade, but it adjusts to match most skin-tones so it blends in well and completely covers up your pores and any acne scars, while still giving you sheer coverage.  It evens out your skin and can be worn alone.  It doesn't cake or look like you are wearing any makeup, which is a huge plus.  Sometimes, I use it with primer and foundation and it's amazing.

Clinique:

Horrible!  I love Clinique and was excited to see that they had a B.B. cream.  However, this is the worst B.B. cream I have tried.  The shades that it comes in do not blend in at all with my skin.  They look way too light and very obvious.  Another big problem is that the B.B. cream flakes and cakes only a few minutes after applying it so it looks like you have a lot of product on your face.  I also found that it actually settled into my pores and made my skin look like a dry, rough mess.  I did try the suggestions of warming it up on my fingertips before applying it, but that didn't help.  Overall, I found this B.B. cream just totally unflattering on my skin.


Garnier:

This B.B. cream is a good cheap alternative to some of the more expensive products on the market.  It comes in 2 shades that blend in well with your skin so that it is not noticeable that you are wearing any makeup.  It has pretty sheer coverage and does a nice job of camouflaging most flaws, and minimizing pores.  However, it doesn't make skin look as smooth as the Boscia does.  I recommend applying moisturizer or sunscreen BEFORE putting on this cream because applying them afterwards does cause the B.B. cream to smear and in some instances, can cause a lot of it to be removed so you end up having to reapply it.

L'Oreal:

Really like this one!  It's affordable and provides great coverage.  It comes in 4 different shades and is easy to blend.  A cool thing about it is that the cream itself has a pearly white appearance that changes color to match your skin-tone once you apply it on your face.  It doesn't cake and it really helps smooth out your skin.  When it's combined with foundation, it gives your face a nice glow.

Low-fat Holiday Treats with Torani Syrups

As a member of the SheSpeaks program, I had the opportunity to participate in the "Torani Holiday Cheers" program and try out Torani Syrups.  These syrups come in a variety of flavors including some classic holiday treat favorites.   The syrups can be used in your coffee for a low-cal sweet.  The flavors I received were the Sugar-Free Salted Caramel and the Gingerbread and both were delicious. 

I used my Torani syrups to flavor my coffee and I felt they were a great substitute for some of the tempting holiday desserts.  I'm trying to not overindulge in sweets this holiday season and these syrups arrived just in time.  The Gingerbread only has 100 calories for 2 Tbsp and the Sugar-Free Salted Caramel has 0 calories so they are both a nice alternative to the over the top sugary desserts that are all around us this time of year.  The flavors of the syrup really enhanced my coffee.  The Gingerbread syrup has the yummy mix of molasses and cinnamon and tasted just like I had a Gingerbread cookie in my coffee.   The Sugar-Free Salted Caramel reminded me of a caramel toffee type of brittle.  You can make all sorts of drinks with the syrups.  I chose to add the syrups straight to my coffee.  Below are my super simple drinks:

Gingerbread Cookie Coffee

1 cup strong brewed coffee
2 Tbsp Torani Gingerbread Syrup

Mix together coffee and syrup and you have the taste of a freshly made gingerbread cookie.

Salted Caramel Coffee 

1 cup strong brewed coffee
2 1/2 Tbsp Torani Sugar Free Salted Caramel

You can change up the amount of syrup you add to adjust it to your tastes, but I found that the above amounts give you just the right level of flavor.  

Try out your own drink combos by experimenting with different flavors.  Click on the link below for a discount on your Torani purchases and start experiencing a whole new way to drink your coffee.
 

10% off Coupon

Enjoy and let me know your favorite Torani Syrup recipes!

December Discounts!

People StyleWatch December discounts are here just in time for the holidays!  There are some awesome retailers participating this month, including some of my personal faves, such as BCBG, Kenneth Cole and White House Black Market.  Thanks to the Style Hunters Network, I'm happy to share these great deals from the pages of the magazine with you guys.

Happy Shopping!  Feel free to post some of your best finds!

From Dec. 7 to Dec. 25, enter “PSW15” at checkout for a 15% off discount on the piggy bank featured in the issue. bcbg.com

From Dec. 7 to Dec. 23, present this page in stores or enter “KCPSW” at checkout for a 20% off discount on full-price merchandise.

From Dec. 7 to Dec. 23, enter “13010” at checkout for a 20% off discount on full-price merchandise.

From Dec. 7 to Jan. 11, enter “StyleWatch” at checkout for a 20% discount on the clutch featured in the issue. Justfab.com

From Dec. 7 to Jan. 11, enter “PSW4ES” at checkout for a 20% off discount on the bag featured in the issue. mimiboutique.com

From Dec. 7 to Jan. 11, enter “PSWHOLIDAY” at checkout for a 20% off discount on the necklace featured in the issue. maxandchloe.com

From Dec. 7 to Jan. 11, enter “PSWDEC12” at checkout for a 20% off site-wide discount. windsorstore.com.

From Dec. 7 to Jan. 11, enter “FRENCHSECRET” at checkout for a 20% off discount on the item featured in the issue. vabienlingerie.com

Gold and Black for the Holidays!

 

 Beauty Morsels:  Holiday Looks

Gold and black is a great combo for the holidays.  The gold really catches people's attention, without being too flashy.  It gives just the right amount of sparkle/shimmer and will help you shine at any party.  I love these shoes because the cute bows on the shoes add the right touch of fun, while still being chic.

Victoria's Secret Stores: Tips to Avoid Getting Denied Use of Your Coupons

I love Victoria's Secret and I spend a lot of money there on pretty much all of their merchandise, especially online.  As a result, I end up getting many of their coupons and offer cards in the mail.  These are great to use to save money on lingerie, clothes, beauty products, etc. and even for free items.

However, Victoria's Secret associates are notorious for trying any which way they can to deny you the use of your coupons.  They always have some bogus reason for not allowing you to use a coupon and I'm honestly really sick and tired of dealing with this BS.  I have no idea why they take it as a personal insult whenever a customer has a coupon and always want to tell you that your purchase doesn't qualify.  You immediately see a shift in their attitude as soon as they see your coupon.  It's ridiculous and I've never had these types of problems at other stores when redeeming coupons.

Just this past weekend I encountered a problem when I went to use my "$10 off any purchase" card on a body mist that was exactly $10.  It's a long story, but here are the basics:

As soon as the employee saw the card, she said I had to make a purchase of over $10.  I told her the card didn't say that and that no minimum was specified.  I also told her I had called customer service and they verified that I could use the card on an item that was $10 before taxes.  I also informed her that customer service said to call them from the store if there were any issues.  She just totally ignored me and continued to argue in an obnoxious and rude way.  Without even scanning the card, she claimed the register wouldn't let her ring up the transaction.  I didn't budge and was about to call customer service, but she finally said she'd do it as a "one-time courtesy", and warned me that I couldn't do this next time.  Again, total BS.  She scanned the card, and, guess what?  The register took it with no problems.  

I know they get away with doing this because many customers just let it go and that's why they continue doing it, but I wanted to post my tips for making sure you don't get turned away.

Tip #1

Read the rules and exclusions carefully to make sure your purchase actually qualifies.  You can't argue or insist on something if you are in the wrong.

Tip #2

Call customer service to check that your understanding of the offer is correct.  Once they verify the info with you, they will tell you to call them from the store if you experience problems.  Have this number handy when you go to the store: (855) 866-5810.

Tip #3

Don't back down if you are following the rules of the offer/coupon.  Inform them of the stated rules and let them know you already contacted their customer relations team to confirm that your purchase qualifies.  These associates are well aware they have no right or justification for denying most coupons, but will try to see if they can get away with it.

Tip #4

If the associate is still refusing to honor the coupon, call customer service from the store and have them speak to the associate.  The employee will have to honor the coupon.  Usually, it doesn't go as far as calling customer service, though, but it's nice to have them to fall back on, just in case.

It's unfortunate that most people have to go through such a hassle to get their coupons honored.  This bad customer service is what really turns me off from shopping at the stores and I almost dread getting offers in the mail because of the ordeal to redeem them.  

We earned these offers through making previous purchases and I don't see any reason why we should be shamed or made to feel bad about taking advantage of the coupons that are sent to us.  As long as you abide by the stated rules/polices, it's not their business to prevent you from getting a good deal.

I hope these tips help you guys use the offers that you've rightfully earned.  Feel free to share your Victoria's Secret store experiences in the comments section.

Makeup Remover, Cleanser and Moisturizer All-in-One

One of the keys to good skin is making sure you completely remove your makeup.  Makeup that's left on your face can clog your pores and make them bigger, not to mention cause you to break out more. However, sometimes it's just such a hassle because you often have to use multiple products to really get rid of the makeup.  In the past, I've had to use a cleanser followed by a makeup remover and a separate eye makeup remover.  It's a lot of steps, which I was getting tired of especially when I come home late and just want to crash.  

I needed a multi-tasking product and I finally found a great one with the AVEENO ULTRA-CALMING Makeup Removing Wipes.

These are great because they are very gentle on your skin and don't cause any irritation even if you have acne-prone skin like I do.  They can also be used to remove eye makeup, particularly mascara, which I always find difficult to remove.  They don't sting your eyes like some other products do.  With other makeup wipes, you have to use a separate eye makeup remover for that reason, but with Aveeno, you can use it all over your face and get your makeup removed in one easy step.  

It may sound weird, but I feel these wipes truly live up to their name because your skin actually feels soothed when you use them.  I came home late last night and was exhausted, but when I used the wipes, I instantly relaxed and my skin felt better.  The wipes act like a cleanser to clean your skin while removing makeup and you get the added bonus of moisturizing your skin at the same time.  After I use these, my skin is soft and has a dewy appearance to it, which I really like so I sometimes use these in the morning in place of my usual cleanser.  Some people have complained that the fragrance is too strong, but I personally like it and don't find it bothersome at all.  Another plus is that you can take the Aveeno anywhere so even if you're on the go, you can still make sure you treat your skin well.

Create Smokey Eyes in 5 Minutes!

Smokey eyes are one of my go-to makeup looks because of the smoldering effect they give your whole face.  It's something that works for all eye colors and can transition your look from daytime to nighttime.  Although, it may seem like it takes a lot of effort to achieve a smokey eye, it's actually really easy to do and with these tips, you can get the effect even if you're in a hurry.

5 Steps for 5 Min. Smokey Eyes

Step 1: Pick the Color

Choose one color for your smokey eye and pick a matching eyeliner. 

Step 2: Prime your Lids

Use an eyeshadow primer on your lids, followed by a thin layer of foundation.  Then sweep on a nude or light shimmer colored shadow.

Step 3:  Lining your Eyes

Using your eyeliner, draw a line around your eyes. If you don't have steady hands or your eye blinks too much to draw a straight line, simply make small dashes as close as possible to your lash line and then connect them.  This is a great way to avoid mistakes.  I line the inner rims of my eyes for a really dramatic effect.  Blend with a q-tip.

Step 4: Eyeshadow

Sweep a layer of eyeshadow close to the lash line with an eyeshadow brush.  Add another layer of     eyeshadow and blend upward so the color fades evenly from your lashline to your crease.

Step 5: Polishing Touches

Use a q-tip to blend or clean up any eyeshadow.  Finally, apply two coats of mascara and you're good to go!

Fragrances to Warm Up Your Winter!

I love wearing perfume especially during the winter and fall months because the scent is just strong enough for those cold days and nights, but it's not as overpowering as it is during the summer.  Perfume also makes a great holiday gift especially because it's something that makes someone feel pampered and sexy.  It's really one of my favorite things to put on before going out and I love experimenting with different scents so I am beyond excited that the Style Hunters Network is giving me the chance to try out some perfumes from the Coty fragrance line!  Below are the fragrances that I'm going to be receiving:


 

           

I've never tried any of these fragrances before so I can't wait to see what notes they each have.  Once I get the perfumes, I'll update this post to give you all the details about the scents and how long the wear lasts.

In the meantime, you can also enter the "Wrap Up Your Fragrance Contest" below for a chance to win a trip to LA (my hometown) and experience an awards show or red carpet event. These events are always a lot of fun to attend so good luck! 

Visit www.wrapuptheperfectfragrance.com to enter.

Try a High Ponytail and Smokey Eyes for a Sexy Party Look!

One of the hottest hair trends this season is the high ponytail.  It is chic and sophisticated and when paired with smokey eyes, it will definitely give you a glamorous and sexy look that will turn heads at your next holiday party.

Below are some easy steps to follow in creating your look.

Styling the High Ponytail:

1.  You want to prep for this the day before by air drying your hair since day old hair works better than freshly washed hair.  You'll need to take some Moroccanoil and smooth it into your hair.  Moroccanoil makes hair silky and shiny.

2. Grab all of your hair and brush it back tightly into a high ponytail and collect the hair at the crown of your head. Secure it with an elastic hairband.

3. You can then use a flat iron (I like the T3 manetamer because you can straighten large chunks of hair at one time) to straighten out the pony and give it a super-sleek appearance. 

4.  I add shine serum again for a glossy pony.

Crafting Sexy Smokey Eyes:

1. I like to apply an eyeshadow primer to keep my eyeshadow in place for hours (Tarte Cosmetics has a great one called "Clean Slate 360").  Let it set for a couple of minutes before putting on your eyeshadow.

2.  You want to create a base first by using a beige shade of eyeshadow.  Make sure to apply it all over your upper lid and work it into the lid using a blending brush.  Sweep the shadow up into your brow bone.

3. Use a bright blue eyeshadow and tap the shade onto your lid using the blending brush.  Sephora has an awesome eyeshadow palette that has all the colors you need including some fabulous blues that work so well for a smokey eye.  

Make sure you really focus on the ball of the lid and blend the color well into your crease.

4. Brush a dark blue or black shadow from the outside crease to the center of the crease using a windshield wiper type of motion.

5. Using that same dark blue or black color, smoke out the bottom corner of the eye in a very thin line.

6. Lastly, apply 3 coats of mascara to the top and bottom lashes to complete your eyes.  As I've mentioned in the past, Diorshow mascara is amazing and will give you luscious lashes.

With such dramatic eyes, I like to leave my lips a more neutral color so that the attention goes right to my eyes.

My Loehmann's Loot!

Awhile ago, I promised to post the clothes that I ordered from Loehmann's so here are my picks below!  I got all of these tops for a little over $100.  Some of them are even more discounted at Loehmann's right now so I've included the links to go with each top in case you find something you like and want to check out Loehmann's Black Friday deals. 

http://www.loehmanns.com/Clearance-All-Clearance/Tramp-Chiffon-Hi-Lo-Tank-In-Geometric-Print.htm

http://www.loehmanns.com/Women-Sweaters-Fashion/Pink-Rose-Dolman-Sleeve-Lurex-Sweater-Top.htm

http://www.loehmanns.com/Clearance-All-Clearance/Workshop-Tapeyarn-Sweater.htm

http://www.loehmanns.com/Clearance-All-Clearance/Shae-Sleeveless-V-Neck-Sweater.htm

http://www.loehmanns.com/Clearance-All-Clearance/Vertigo-Crimson-Sequined-Dolman-Sleeve-Pullover.htm

http://www.loehmanns.com/Clearance-All-Clearance/Annalee-Hope-Multi-Striped-Knit-Tee.htm

Get Blinged Out for the Holidays!

Jewelry can instantly glam up any outfit so I was really excited to see the new ring collections that Zales recently launched!

Zales has a "Celebration Diamond Collection" that features some amazing diamonds rings.  The diamonds are so brilliant that your eyes can't help but be drawn to them.  If you're ring shopping this season, you definitely want to put this collection on your list! 

The stunning Celebration 102 rings

For those of us that aren't getting engaged, Zales has the "Candy Colored Diamonds and Gemstones" collection, which showcases some gorgeous rings that will really add sparkle to your holiday look.  I'm happy to share with you guys a promo code so that you can get $50 off when you spend $300 or more at Zales.com.  With this great deal you can treat yourself to something special and timeless for the holiday season.  

This discount is available online only at Zales.com from 11/15-12/13. Enter promo code STYLEWATCH at checkout!

Below are pics of some of my favorite rings.  The colors and designs would work well with many looks so I'm having a hard time deciding on which one of the 3 I want!  

 

Bold and Edgy Looks

 

 Beauty Morsels: Bold and Edgy

I really love the combination of yellow and black for an edgy and modern look.  A lot of people are afraid of the color yellow because it's so bright, but you can make it work by choosing simple designs like the ones above.  You can mix and match the yellow tops and jacket with the black denim and the patterned top goes great with the yellow jeans.  The vibrant yellow gives your wardrobe just the right pop of color against the black pieces to help you make a fashion statement that is chic, but still bold.  

The Quest for Thicker, Fuller Hair: Does Aveda's Invati Work?

The Invati System

Lately, I've been trying to make my hair thicker and fuller.  I used to have super thick, lush hair as a kid, but now that I'm in my twenties, I'm noticing it's not as full as it used to be especially at the front of my hair.  I wouldn't say my hair is thin, but it's not as thick as I would like it to be.  The seams when I part my hair are a little bit wider than I'd prefer so I want to minimize them as much as possible.

In my search for hair products that could deliver the thick hair I was after, I discovered Aveda's Invati System.  It promises thicker hair and less breakage.  The line has an exfoliating shampoo, thickening conditioner and a scalp revitalizing spray.  I decided to go for the scalp revitalizing spray since I felt that would be the one part of the system that may really help grow new hair rather than just fatten up individual strands or simply just prevent hair loss due to breakage.

Wow, the scalp revitalizing spray is expensive!!  It comes to about $65, including taxes, which is way more than I like to spend on hair products, but if it works, then it's worth the money.

So far, I've been using the spray for about 3 weeks and I'm liking the results.  The instructions on the bottle recommend spraying it 8 times on each side of your head, twice a day, but I don't do that because I think it's wasteful.  Instead, I part my hair in the areas that I want to make thicker (mainly on my left side part and my middle part) and I spray it a couple of times in each area.  I massage it well into my scalp for around 30 seconds.  I do this twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.  It has given my hair a fuller appearance and I feel that it is working.  Now, keep in mind, it hasn't given me incredibly thick hair, but it has made some definite improvements, particularly in the sections of my hair that I was worried about.  One thing I need to mention is that this is a wet spray, which will make your hair a bit damp so use it before you style your hair to avoid messing up your hairstyle.  

I'm going to continue using the spray until I hit the 8 week mark in order to really tell if it's worth the investment.  I'll post a final decision update once I reach 8 weeks. 

Beauty Morsels Shop Window: Ethereal and Feminine

 

 Ethereal and Feminine

For this week's Beauty Morsels shop window, I wanted to create a feminine look that was girly, but still sophisticated.  I love these loose and flowy tops because they are subtle, yet sexy.

Weight Loss Tips

As I've mentioned before, I tried the Special K Protein Effect plan to help me get rid of some stubborn pounds that I had gained over the summer due to poor eating habits.  It worked well and I ended up losing more weight than my goal.  While I'm not strictly following the plan right now, I've still incorporated the products and some of the lessons I learned into my daily diet.  

I wanted to share some other weight loss tips and snack ideas that have really helped me maintain my weight and ensure I don't overindulge especially during the upcoming holidays!  I'm still going to indulge a bit for the holidays, but I'm going to create low fat versions of all my favorite holiday foods so that I don't gain a lot of weight during this time of year.  If you have any requests, let me know and I can post the recipes that I use.

One of the key components of losing weight is making sure you are not hungry so that you don't reach for junk food.  The reason so many diets fail is that you are deprived and are constantly starving.  I'm aiming to make real lifestyle changes that I can actually stick to on a daily basis.  I've discovered that I usually get super hungry around 3 pm so that's my danger zone time when I'm tempted to grab some chips/cookies/ice cream, etc.  However, I've found some great low fat snacks/lunch ideas that help satisfy my hunger and taste good so that I don't end up eating a bunch of junk.  
 
When I want to have something different from the Special K Protein Shakes, my favorite lunch meal is 1 cup of non-fat Greek Yogurt (I love Fage because it is so creamy and rich) with 3/4 cup of Chocolate Cheerios mixed into it.  I often have this because the protein in the yogurt keeps you full for hours.  

A good snack, especially for that late afternoon slump, consists of apple slices with Laughing Cow cheese spread on each slice.  The flavors go great together and it's very filling. 

A bowl of strawberries or red grapes is something else that I snack on before dinner to help beat my sweet cravings.  If you're not too hungry, you can make your own trail mix.  I use peanuts, dried cranberries, chocolate chips and raisins in mine for an awesome salty and sweet combo.

All of these foods are low in calories, yet satisfying enough to prevent overeating.

Lastly, a huge factor that has allowed me to stay on track has been setting out specific times for my meals/snacks.  I like to be organized and follow a schedule so doing this has been a tremendous advantage in keeping my eating habits in check.  My day goes like this:  I have Special K cereal for  breakfast around 10 am.  I set my lunch for 12:30 pm, which is the Greek yogurt or the protein shake.  Then I'll have some of the snacks that I mentioned above at around 3 pm.  Dinner for me is at 5:30 pm and I usually have a big salad with a breaded chicken breast.  Dessert is an absolute must for me so I'll eat my dessert at 7 pm.  I use a rotation of low fat/low calorie recipes for dessert or I'll have a Special K meal replacement bar since they are sweet and taste yummy.  I follow dessert with an apple or some other fruit.  I don't eat after 7:30 pm and don't feel the need to.

Whatever you do, don't deprive yourself because that always leads to binging on the food you're trying to eliminate.  Keep everything in moderation and you will be able to lose weight or maintain your weight, while still enjoying food and not feeling like you are on some strict diet.  Also, if you do have something that's high in fat, don't take that as a pass to just blow your healthy eating plan.  This was always my problem in the past.  I would have something unhealthy and then I'd get discouraged since I'd "ruined" the day so I would just eat fattening things for the rest of the day, which further derailed my weight loss.  Remember, you can still get back on track by making healthy choices for your next meal/snack and that one bad food decision shouldn't mess up the whole day.

Hope these tips help and if you are currently on the Special K Protein Effect plan, let me know how it's going!

This Week's Beauty Morsels Shop Window!

 

 Beauty Morsels Casual Wear

I've picked some casual pieces for fall that you can mix and match together to create different outfits.  I'm really loving the red colored jeans this season.  They look awesome and give your style a pop of color.

Special K Protein Effect: Final Results

So, I've come to the end of my 2 weeks on the Special K Protein Effect plan and I'm stoked to report that I've lost more weight than my original goal!  My jeans are much looser now and I feel leaner.  Overall, my clothes are looking a lot better, especially my skinny jeans and leggings.  It's clear that this plan really works and I am going to be incorporating these products into my everyday diet.  The Special K Protien Effect helped me curb my intense cravings for sweets, so now, when I do have a dessert, I don't overindulge like I used to.  I was highly addicted to sweets so that was one of my biggest problems in losing weight.  I could cut out other carbs like pasta, rice, etc., but not sweets.  Not until I got used to managing my cravings through this plan.  The meal bars were a great alternative and they satisfied my sweet tooth.



One key thing is that you must follow the program closely, especially in the first 2 weeks, if you want to maximize your weight loss.  I didn't find the plan difficult because the products kept my hunger away so I never felt starved.  The plan will help change your eating habits so that you realize when you're full and don't simple continue eating just because there is food on your plate.  It has definitely helped me put the concept of moderation into practice.  It's ok to have a little treat after dinner, but you definitely want to keep it small.  I also have 1 splurge day at the end of the week, where I get to have whatever I want for dinner.  I think this helps keep you on track since you don't feel deprived.  If you want to kick start your weight loss, give this plan a shot and you will see a difference in your energy levels and your body in a couple of weeks!

Exclusive Discounts from People StyleWatch

I love bargains so I'm so excited to share some exclusive discounts on the great clothes featured in this month's issue of People StyleWatch. These offers will come in handy when putting together a fabulous fall wardrobe.  The deals expire Nov. 16 so make sure to check them out before they're over!
 

20% off on shoes

20% off on all merchandise

35% off all merchandise

20% off on featured coat

20% off all merchandise

 

Hair Product Gold!

As promised, here is the ONE product I have found that actually works to tame and hydrate frizzy, dry hair.  Palmer's Hair Food is a must have for controlling unruly hair.  I first discovered it a few years ago when I visited Cairo, Egypt.  It made my hair soft, shiny and kept frizz at bay.  I stocked up on many jars and began using it exclusively.  My hair looked great even when it was curly because of how well this product held the curls together.  Unfortunately, I ran out of the product a couple years ago and could not find it in any of the stores and I wasn't seeing the exact formula that I wanted being sold online so I gave up and decided to move to other styling products.  Other products, especially the expensive ones had to work just as well, or even better, right?  Wrong!  Throughout the past couple of years, I've literally tried every type of styling product ranging from cheap to super expensive.  You name it and I've probably tried it.  None of them helped in managing my hair.  They would look good when I first applied them, but after about 30 min., my hair would be a poufy mess.  I was even at the Fekkai Salon in West Hollywood recently and they drenched my hair in their Essential Shea Pot de Crème (retail price is $34.99) and it did absolutely nothing for my hair.  Just goes to show that spending a lot of money on a product doesn't guarantee it will be effective.

Luckily, in the past month, I have found Palmer's Hair Food in the formula that I want being sold online.  It's been keeping my hair super shiny and soft, while helping create the exact hairstyle that I want.  I always apply the product on towel-dried hair and braid my hair.  I then leave it in a braid overnight.  When I unbraid my hair the next day, I get perfect loose, shiny waves that are frizz-free.  You can also apply this and then blow dry and flat-iron your hair for an incredibly sleek look.

This product in combination with the hot hair mask treatments I've been doing has changed my hair for the better.  I definitely recommend giving this product a try if you haven't found something that works for your hair.

The BEST Treatment for Dry, Damaged Hair

Lately, my curly hair has been out of control dry, I'm talking hair so dry that its texture is like straw. The past couple of months, the dryness has been so severe that I can even feel that straw-like texture when it's wet!  It's like it sucks up moisture on contact.  It's been driving me crazy, not to mention, giving me horrible hair days.  I haven't even been blow drying it or flat ironing it so there's really no reason for this excessive parchment of my hair.  UGH, it's been such a struggle to deal with it and I'm always so envious of the girls who have sleek, straight hair and can just wash and go.  I finally decided to take back control and repair the damage by using hair masks each week.  

I've used them in the past and haven't particularly noticed much change.  However, I decided to do something different and give my hair a hot mask treatment.  I shampooed my hair as usual and then I towel dried it.  I applied a hair mask from the middle of my hair to the ends since that is where my hair is the driest (I used regular conditioner on my scalp area).  I then took a small towel and popped it in the microwave for about 20 seconds.  I wrapped the towel around the portion of my hair that had the mask in it and let it sit for about 8 minutes.  I then removed the towel and rinsed the mask out of my hair.  

Let me tell you, this worked wonders on my hair and I could immediately feel that it was so much softer and actually touchable for the first time in what seems like forever.  The heat allowed the mask to penetrate my hair and made the product so much more effective.  Finally, my hair retained some moisture and it looks a lot better!  If you have curly, dry, unruly hair I highly recommend trying this out at least once a week.  You can even try it out with conditioner if you don't have a hair mask.

In my next post, I'll be talking about the ONE product that truly works for taming curly, dry hair.

Shop the Beauty Morsels Boutique!

 

 Beauty Morsels Boutique

I've teamed up with ShopMyLabel to create Shop Windows!  My first Shop Window is shown above.  I've chosen classic pieces that can are chic and timeless.  You can mix and match many of the items with what you already have in your wardrobe so I consider them must-have staples.  Click on the link to get shopping.  Each week, I'll be showcasing different styles and trends for various budgets.  

One of the great things about ShopMyLabel is that there is free shipping on ANY purchase you make.  Free shipping is something I really like because I always feel it's such a waste to spend money on shipping since you don't get any value out of it.  That's one of the reasons I sometimes avoid shopping online.  With ShopMyLabel you don't have to worry about making a minimum purchase.  If you have any specific requests or looks you'd like to see, let me know and I'll put together a Shop Window to match your needs.

The Magic of Diorshow

When it comes to mascara, there is nothing quite like Diorshow.  I've tried out tons of different brands, wands and formulas and haven't found one that works like Diorshow.  The problem I notice with other mascaras is that they clump too much and your lashes get stuck together giving you a really fake look.  They may lengthen and volumize your lashes, but there is no definition or separation.  With Diorshow, my lashes look longer and fuller, but it has a more natural effect.  You can also apply a couple of coats without completely clumping up your lashes or getting too much product on the lashes.  What I really like about Diorshow mascara is that I can skip the eyeliner and eyeshadow if I'm in a rush because it already makes my eyes stand out so much.  It's easy and quick to apply which is another bonus.  When I use other mascaras, I usually have to use a spoolie to separate out clumps at the end of my lashes and that just wastes time and typically doesn't even look that great.  You definitely get what you pay for and Diorshow delivers.

Check out the Diorshow products below, they will be perfect for creating a glammed up holiday look.  Find your must-have product and head over to www.Dior.com because you can get free shipping on any Dior purchase now through Dec. 31 when you use the code:  DIORPSW2012.

This promises a dramatic 3-D effect for lashes.

My favorite:  Diorshow Blackout Mascara gives you an intense, striking color that will get you noticed.

Looking forward to trying this lash serum and primer, especially on my sparse lower lashes.

This eyeshadow palette has all the colors you need to create a sexy, smokey eye.

I need this to fill in my one brow that still will not grow in as thick as I want.  It comes in a universal shade that works with everyone's skin tone.

Watch the Dior Backstage Beauty video for tips and info on the best products.